Police nab 15 over Barotse flag

POLICE in Mongu yesterday apprehended 15 Barotseland activists for allegedly conducting a fundraising campaign for the “hoisting of the Barotseland flag” next Tuesday.

Western Province deputy commissioner of police Sharon Zulu said in an interview here yesterday that the suspects, aged between 25 and 44 have been charged with conduct likely to cause breach of the peace and were released after being sternly warned.

“We picked up the 15 because they did not have a permit either from the police or the Kuta and we have warned them not to do what they did because it is a crime,” Ms Zulu said

He said police seized eight red berets and a banner from the suspects.
She said police released the suspects after they showed remorse and their explanation that they are not aware that it is a crime to carry out such activities without a permit.

Earlier, the suspects were apprehended and taken to the provincial administration offices for fear that they would run amok and cause damage to property at Mongu Central Police Station.
Western Province permanent secretary Mwangala Liomba also counselled the youths on dangers of conducting such activities without permits and notifying the relevant authorities
Speaking shortly after they were released, an activist, Saviour Silumesi, said the hoisting of the flag will go ahead as scheduled on Tuesday.